The Leys Institute was originally founded under the will of William Leys, a bookbinder and property owner who had been strongly involved in the Ponsonby community, who died in 1899, and then substantially financed by his brother, Thomson Wilson Leys. The Institute’s library was built in 1905; the funding for the neighbouring gymnasium came from a large donation from the estate of Ponsonby resident William Mason, two Mayors of Auckland, and members of the Leys family, who continued their involvement for many decades.
In the early twentieth century, exercise culture was very much in vogue, embraced by both men and women. A number of gymnasiums were established at this time. Much was made at the opening of the gymnasium in 1906 of the need for young people to develop both their bodies and their minds. While one use of a gymnasium may be to keep ‘young people out of mischief’, the mayor said it also ‘played an important part in developing their faculties, in enabling them to make the most of themselves’. The building consisted of a large open gymnasium with an open truss roof; a director’s office; dressing rooms; and a photography darkroom. The words ‘Mens sana in Corpore sano’ (a sound mind in a sound body) were displayed on the wall. Within months of the opening of the gymnasium, hundreds of members, both men and women, were enrolled under director Professor Francis Potter. Gymnastics, wrestling, fencing, boxing and other sporting groups, often named after the Institute, were soon established and used the building for more than a century. It was also used for concerts, lectures and political meetings.
In 1967-8 the council added a concrete block two-storey addition at the rear. Architect John Gummer carried out a major restoration project on both buildings, funded by the William Leys Trust Fund and completed in 1991. The 1960s addition was partly removed and a new section added to allow room for new gymnasium facilities.
The Leys Institute gymnasium building has architectural significance for its Edwardian Baroque style, of which there are few examples in Auckland. It is likely to be a rare surviving example of a purpose-built, early-twentieth century combination of library and gymnasium, reflecting the importance placed on self-improvement through both mind and body, in a period of social change and heightened awareness of the disadvantaged.
This building is still in use as a gymnasium and community centre, continuing the Institute’s hugely important role in the community life of Ponsonby.
List Entry Information
Status
Listed
List Entry Status
Historic Place Category 1
Access
Private/No Public Access
List Number
612
Date Entered
26th November 1981
Date of Effect
26th November 1981
City/District Council
Auckland Council
Region
Auckland Council
Extent of List Entry
Extent includes the land described as Lot 11 Deed Blue F (RT NA576/50), North Auckland Land District, and part of the land described as Pt Allot 13 Sec 8 Suburbs of Auckland (RT NA131/205), North Auckland Land District and the building known as Leys Institute Gymnasium thereon
Legal description
Lot 11 Deed Blue F (RT NA576/50), Pt Allot 13 Sec 8 Suburbs of Auckland (RT NA131/205), North Auckland Land District
Status
Listed
List Entry Status
Historic Place Category 1
Access
Private/No Public Access
List Number
612
Date Entered
26th November 1981
Date of Effect
26th November 1981
City/District Council
Auckland Council
Region
Auckland Council
Extent of List Entry
Extent includes the land described as Lot 11 Deed Blue F (RT NA576/50), North Auckland Land District, and part of the land described as Pt Allot 13 Sec 8 Suburbs of Auckland (RT NA131/205), North Auckland Land District and the building known as Leys Institute Gymnasium thereon
Legal description
Lot 11 Deed Blue F (RT NA576/50), Pt Allot 13 Sec 8 Suburbs of Auckland (RT NA131/205), North Auckland Land District
Why is this place significant?
Historic Significance
HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The Leys Institute has played a significant role in Ponsonby and Auckland history. The construction of the Institute indicates recognition of the growing boundaries of Auckland and the establishment of Ponsonby. The Institute stands as a monument to the Victorian ideals of education and self-improvement for the community and the philanthropic urge of the Victorian middle class. The history of the Leys Institute is closely linked with the Leys family. The Institute was originally founded under the will of William Leys, a bookbinder and property owner, who died in 1899. His intentions were to provide a free library and Mechanics Institute. The funds he left were inadequate and his brother, T.W. Leys, contributed half the money needed, on condition that the Auckland City Council provided the site. The Council accepted the offer and the Institute was opened in March 1905 by the Mayor, Mr E. Mitchelson. A year later a gymnasium was erected. The Institute's main function is as a library, but it also provides a base for various organisations. These include literary, dramatic, musical, debating games and sports clubs. The Institute acts as an important social centre.
Physical Significance
ARCHITECTURAL SIGNIFICANCE: The Leys Institute is an important example of turn of the century Edwardian Baroque architecture, of which there are few examples in Auckland. At this time numerous types of buildings for which there was no set precedent or architectural style were being built. Many of these buildings fulfilled a civic function such as town halls, libraries, police and fire stations. In its earlier phase the architecture was characterised by the use of a elaborate and picturesque skyline. The style changed rapidly to a form more influenced by the Beaux Arts tradition. This period of rapid change is apparent when the Leys Institute and the nearby Ponsonby Post Office (1911) are compared.
Why is this place significant?
Historic Significance
HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The Leys Institute has played a significant role in Ponsonby and Auckland history. The construction of the Institute indicates recognition of the growing boundaries of Auckland and the establishment of Ponsonby. The Institute stands as a monument to the Victorian ideals of education and self-improvement for the community and the philanthropic urge of the Victorian middle class. The history of the Leys Institute is closely linked with the Leys family. The Institute was originally founded under the will of William Leys, a bookbinder and property owner, who died in 1899. His intentions were to provide a free library and Mechanics Institute. The funds he left were inadequate and his brother, T.W. Leys, contributed half the money needed, on condition that the Auckland City Council provided the site. The Council accepted the offer and the Institute was opened in March 1905 by the Mayor, Mr E. Mitchelson. A year later a gymnasium was erected. The Institute's main function is as a library, but it also provides a base for various organisations. These include literary, dramatic, musical, debating games and sports clubs. The Institute acts as an important social centre.
Physical Significance
ARCHITECTURAL SIGNIFICANCE: The Leys Institute is an important example of turn of the century Edwardian Baroque architecture, of which there are few examples in Auckland. At this time numerous types of buildings for which there was no set precedent or architectural style were being built. Many of these buildings fulfilled a civic function such as town halls, libraries, police and fire stations. In its earlier phase the architecture was characterised by the use of a elaborate and picturesque skyline. The style changed rapidly to a form more influenced by the Beaux Arts tradition. This period of rapid change is apparent when the Leys Institute and the nearby Ponsonby Post Office (1911) are compared.
Construction Professional
Name
Jas Lye and Son
Type
Builder
Biography
No biography is currently available for this construction professional
Name
Watt, Robert Martin
Type
Architect
Biography
Watt (1860-1907) was born in Scotland and studied architecture in Glasgow with the firm of Barclay Bros. He immigrated to New Zealand about 1878 for health reasons and practised in Auckland both on his own account and, from about 1892, with John Mitchell (c.1859-1947). Mitchell and Watt were appointed architects to the Auckland Education Board in 1892 and while Mitchell undertook new work, Watt was responsible for rebuilding projects and renovations to existing buildings. In 1960 Watt was elected president of the Auckland branch of the New Zealand Institute of Architects. Watt was responsible for the design of the Ley's Institute, Ponsonby (1905-06), and the partnership of Mitchell and Watt was responsible for schools at Te Mata (1905) and Maungatautari (1905), additions to schools at Cambridge (1900) and Dargaville (1905), the Seddon Memorial Technical College (1903-13), and Mt Eden Congregational Church (1900).
Construction Details
Start Year
1906
Type
Original Construction
Description
Gymnasium built
Start Year
1967
Type
Modification
Description
Extensions to Gymnasium
Start Year
1991
Type
Modification
Description
Restoration
Start Year
2007
Type
Modification
Description
Courtyard area in front of the two buildings developed
Construction Materials
Brick, plastered. Timber framing. Roof timber-framed with metal trusses.
Notable Features
The distinctive façade
Construction Professional
Name
Jas Lye and Son
Type
Builder
Biography
No biography is currently available for this construction professional
Name
Watt, Robert Martin
Type
Architect
Biography
Watt (1860-1907) was born in Scotland and studied architecture in Glasgow with the firm of Barclay Bros. He immigrated to New Zealand about 1878 for health reasons and practised in Auckland both on his own account and, from about 1892, with John Mitchell (c.1859-1947). Mitchell and Watt were appointed architects to the Auckland Education Board in 1892 and while Mitchell undertook new work, Watt was responsible for rebuilding projects and renovations to existing buildings. In 1960 Watt was elected president of the Auckland branch of the New Zealand Institute of Architects. Watt was responsible for the design of the Ley's Institute, Ponsonby (1905-06), and the partnership of Mitchell and Watt was responsible for schools at Te Mata (1905) and Maungatautari (1905), additions to schools at Cambridge (1900) and Dargaville (1905), the Seddon Memorial Technical College (1903-13), and Mt Eden Congregational Church (1900).
Construction Details
Start Year
1906
Type
Original Construction
Description
Gymnasium built
Start Year
1967
Type
Modification
Description
Extensions to Gymnasium
Start Year
1991
Type
Modification
Description
Restoration
Start Year
2007
Type
Modification
Description
Courtyard area in front of the two buildings developed
Construction Materials
Brick, plastered. Timber framing. Roof timber-framed with metal trusses.
Notable Features
The distinctive façade
ARCHITECTURAL DESCRIPTION (STYLE): The Leys Institute consists of two buildings which are both Baroque in style. One building (the Institute) is two storeys in height, and the other (the Gymnasium) is one storey high. The facades of both buildings have elongated proportions. Bays of narrow windows are separated by pilasters which culminate in finials. Two of the pilasters on the Institute building culminate in pediments and are flanked by volutes resembling Dutch gables. The central three bay portions of both buildings are stepped forward and have pedimented gables. The window sills and leads are linked by string courses in which the beds of the pediments above the windows are incorporated. MODIFICATIONS: 1908 A new lending department added 1927 Offices altered and additional toilets added New wireless workshop 1939 Demolition of existing partitions in the lending department Extensive enlargement and remodelling of interior 1957 Hilary Leys Memorial Wing added 1967 Extensions to Gymnasium
ARCHITECTURAL DESCRIPTION (STYLE): The Leys Institute consists of two buildings which are both Baroque in style. One building (the Institute) is two storeys in height, and the other (the Gymnasium) is one storey high. The facades of both buildings have elongated proportions. Bays of narrow windows are separated by pilasters which culminate in finials. Two of the pilasters on the Institute building culminate in pediments and are flanked by volutes resembling Dutch gables. The central three bay portions of both buildings are stepped forward and have pedimented gables. The window sills and leads are linked by string courses in which the beds of the pediments above the windows are incorporated. MODIFICATIONS: 1908 A new lending department added 1927 Offices altered and additional toilets added New wireless workshop 1939 Demolition of existing partitions in the lending department Extensive enlargement and remodelling of interior 1957 Hilary Leys Memorial Wing added 1967 Extensions to Gymnasium
Historical and Associated Iwi / Hapū / Whānau
Completion Date
11th June 2015
Report Written By
Elizabeth Cox
Information Sources
Auckland Public Libraries
Auckland Public Libraries
Auckland Star
Auckland Star
Auckland Star
Auckland Star
Colgan, 1980
Wynne Colgan, The Governor's Gift: The Auckland Public Library 1880-1980, Auckland, 1980.
Dictionary of New Zealand Biography
Dictionary of New Zealand Biography
New Zealand Herald
New Zealand Herald, 12 July 1932, p. 6; 28 September 1933, p. 6.
University of Auckland
University of Auckland
Verran, 2004
David Verran, 'Mechanics' Institutes in New Zealand, and their effect on the development of library services.' Paper to LIANZA conference, September 2004
Carlyon, 2008
Jenny Carlyon and Diana Morrow, Urban Village: The Story of Ponsonby, Freemans Bay and St Mary's Bay, Auckland, 2008
Cumming, 1959
Ian Cumming, Glorious Enterprise - The History of the Auckland Education Board, 1857-1957. Christchurch 1959
Education Board
Education Board
Auckland Metro
Auckland Metro
Barr, 1950
Barr, John, Auckland Public Libraries 1880-1950, Auckland, 1950
Leys, 1908
Leys, Thomson W, Report on Municipal Libraries in Great Britain, 1908
New Zealand Libraries
New Zealand Libraries
New Zealand Libraries
New Zealand Libraries
New Zealand Libraries
New Zealand Libraries
Riding, 2001?
Ridling, Coral, One Man’s Dream: The Leys Institute and the Family who Founded It, Ponsonby U3A Publication No1, [2001?]
Anon, 1906
The Leys Institute, St Mary’s Road, Ponsonby, Auckland NZ, 1906
Daley, 2003
Daley, Carolyn, Leisure and Pleasure: Reshaping and Revealing the New Zealand Body 1900–1960, Auckland, 2003
Other Information
Please note that entry on the New Zealand Heritage List/Rarangi Korero identifies only the heritage values of the property concerned, and should not be construed as advice on the state of the property, or as a comment of its soundness or safety, including in regard to earthquake risk, safety in the event of fire, or insanitary conditions. A fully referenced upgrade report is available on request from the Northern Region Office of Heritage New Zealand
Historical and Associated Iwi / Hapū / Whānau
Completion Date
11th June 2015
Report Written By
Elizabeth Cox
Information Sources
Auckland Public Libraries
Auckland Public Libraries
Auckland Star
Auckland Star
Auckland Star
Auckland Star
Colgan, 1980
Wynne Colgan, The Governor's Gift: The Auckland Public Library 1880-1980, Auckland, 1980.
Dictionary of New Zealand Biography
Dictionary of New Zealand Biography
New Zealand Herald
New Zealand Herald, 12 July 1932, p. 6; 28 September 1933, p. 6.
University of Auckland
University of Auckland
Verran, 2004
David Verran, 'Mechanics' Institutes in New Zealand, and their effect on the development of library services.' Paper to LIANZA conference, September 2004
Carlyon, 2008
Jenny Carlyon and Diana Morrow, Urban Village: The Story of Ponsonby, Freemans Bay and St Mary's Bay, Auckland, 2008
Cumming, 1959
Ian Cumming, Glorious Enterprise - The History of the Auckland Education Board, 1857-1957. Christchurch 1959
Education Board
Education Board
Auckland Metro
Auckland Metro
Barr, 1950
Barr, John, Auckland Public Libraries 1880-1950, Auckland, 1950
Leys, 1908
Leys, Thomson W, Report on Municipal Libraries in Great Britain, 1908
New Zealand Libraries
New Zealand Libraries
New Zealand Libraries
New Zealand Libraries
New Zealand Libraries
New Zealand Libraries
Riding, 2001?
Ridling, Coral, One Man’s Dream: The Leys Institute and the Family who Founded It, Ponsonby U3A Publication No1, [2001?]
Anon, 1906
The Leys Institute, St Mary’s Road, Ponsonby, Auckland NZ, 1906
Daley, 2003
Daley, Carolyn, Leisure and Pleasure: Reshaping and Revealing the New Zealand Body 1900–1960, Auckland, 2003
Other Information
Please note that entry on the New Zealand Heritage List/Rarangi Korero identifies only the heritage values of the property concerned, and should not be construed as advice on the state of the property, or as a comment of its soundness or safety, including in regard to earthquake risk, safety in the event of fire, or insanitary conditions. A fully referenced upgrade report is available on request from the Northern Region Office of Heritage New Zealand
Current Usages
Uses: Civic Facilities
Specific Usage: Gymnasium
Uses: Civic Facilities
Specific Usage: Hall, Community
Themes
Sport
Current Usages
Uses: Civic Facilities
Specific Usage: Gymnasium
Uses: Civic Facilities
Specific Usage: Hall, Community
Themes
Sport
Stay up to date with Heritage this month
